Tengrinews.kz – All 11 districts of the East Kazakhstan region have switched to "their own time."
Starting March 13, employees of government institutions, enterprises, and social services in two districts of East Kazakhstan – Shemonaikha and Glubokoe – will begin work under a new schedule, starting at 8:00 AM. Their workday will last until 5:30 PM, with a lunch break from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM.
The changes do not affect educational institutions, kindergartens, and medical organizations, as they were already operating under a similar schedule.
According to the Shemonaikha district administration, the primary goal of introducing the new working hours is to optimize processes and improve coordination between districts. The changes are also linked to the region's natural characteristics, such as early sunrises and sunsets.
Photo of akimat of Shemonaikha district
The new work schedule allows for the most efficient use of daylight, contributing to increased productivity and improved quality of life for residents.
"In light of the time change and the need to adapt to new conditions, I want to express my support for all public sector employees who will need to adjust to the new work schedule. This measure is aimed at optimizing work processes and ensuring the smooth operation of all social and municipal institutions. I understand that this transition may cause some inconvenience, but I assure you that these changes are necessary to improve efficiency and further develop our district," explained Shemonaikha district akim Didar Kenesbaev.
In Glubokoe district, a meeting with local residents has already taken place to discuss the new work schedule.
Photo by the akimat of the Glubokoe district
"We care about our colleagues, creating the necessary conditions so they can spend more time with their families. We held a meeting with the residents and decided that this schedule will help improve living and working conditions in the district," commented Glubokoe district akim Eldar Tumashinov.
Local residents also supported the initiative.
"Having more free time in the evening allows us to focus on household chores and spend more time with family," shared Glubokoe district resident Roza Adilbayeva.
From March 1, 2024, a single time was established throughout Kazakhstan. In Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, Akmola, Almaty, Zhambyl, Karaganda, Kostanay, Pavlodar, North Kazakhstan, Turkestan, East Kazakhstan regions, as well as in the regions of Abay, Zhetysu and Ulytau, the clocks were moved back by 1 hour. Thus, the entire country began to live in the UTC +5 time zone.
As a reminder, on January 5, residents of 17 villages in the Katon-Karagay district switched to their own work schedule, with working hours from 08:00 AN to 5:30 PM. On February 24, residents of Markakol and Ulken Naryn districts followed suit.
In addition, residents of Zaysan, Kurchum, Tarbagatai districts, and Samar district will start their workday an hour earlier from March 5.